What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed or irritated. This tunnel is a narrow passageway made of bones and ligaments. The median nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. It also controls the muscles around the base of the thumb. When this nerve is compressed, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms in the hand and arm.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often caused by repetitive hand movements, particularly those involving the wrist. Common risk factors include:
• Repetitive motions like typing, assembly line work, or using tools.
• Wrist injuries or fractures.
• Conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or hypothyroidism.
• Pregnancy, due to fluid retention that can put pressure on the carpal tunnel.
• Genetics, as some individuals may have smaller carpal tunnels.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Numbness or Tingling: Often experienced in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, particularly at night. Many people wake up with the urge to shake their hands to relieve the discomfort.
• Weakness: Reduced grip strength and difficulty holding or gripping objects.
• Pain: Aching or burning sensation in the wrist and hand, which may extend up the forearm.
• Loss of Dexterity: Difficulty performing fine motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or holding small objects.
How Our Physiotherapists at Active Pulse Physiotherapy Can Help
Our physiotherapists are well-equipped to manage and treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using a variety of evidence-based techniques. Here’s how we can help:
1. Assessment and Diagnosis
A thorough evaluation is the first step in determining the severity of your condition. Our team will assess your symptoms, medical history, and conduct physical tests to evaluate the range of motion, nerve function, and grip strength.
2. Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilizations, and stretching of the wrist and forearm can help reduce pressure on the median nerve. These treatments are designed to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and relieve pain.
3. Nerve Gliding Exercises
Nerve gliding exercises are a specialized set of movements that help the median nerve move more freely within the carpal tunnel. These exercises can reduce nerve compression and improve overall mobility in the wrist and hand.
4. Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
To prevent future flare-ups, our physiotherapists will guide you through strengthening exercises aimed at improving the stability of your wrist and forearm muscles. Stretching exercises will also be incorporated to improve flexibility in the muscles and tendons around the carpal tunnel.
5. Ergonomic Advice
Our physiotherapists can help identify any contributing factors to your condition, such as poor posture or improper ergonomics at your workstation. We offer tailored advice on adjustments to your work setup, wrist supports, and techniques to reduce strain on your wrists during daily tasks.
6. Splinting
In some cases, wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, can help keep the wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on the median nerve. Our team can provide guidance on the proper use of splints.
7. Education and Prevention
Education plays a vital role in long-term recovery. We’ll teach you strategies to avoid repetitive strain on the wrists, proper posture, and the best ways to perform tasks without overloading the carpal tunnel.
8. Collaborative Care
If your condition is advanced or not responding to conservative treatments, our physiotherapists can collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as your physician or a surgeon to ensure you receive the best possible care. In some cases, surgery may be recommended, and our team can provide post-operative rehabilitation to help you regain function and strength.
Why Choose Active Pulse Physiotherapy?
At Active Pulse Physiotherapy, we take a patient-centered approach to treatment. Our experienced team provides:
• Personalized treatment plans: Tailored to your specific symptoms and goals.
• Hands-on care: We focus on manual therapy techniques that promote faster healing and effective pain relief.
• Expert physiotherapists: Our team stays updated with the latest research and treatment methods for conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Let our team at Active Pulse Physiotherapy help you regain full function and relieve the discomfort caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. With the right care, you can get back to doing the activities you love, pain-free.